Cubozo

May 7, 2019

The Concept

The Cubozo is a lighter-than-air (LTA) vehicle that combines light material with new types of propulsion, control and energy systems. It would be deployed to assist during disaster relief, and it would recharge drones’ batteries using the sun’s energy collected by the airship.

Origin of the Idea

In 2016, I worked on an LTA balloon concept named Medusa. I recently asked Adolfo Esquivel to revisit this idea to create a floating platform for drones.

How It Works

The Cubozo would be designed as a landing and resupply station for various kinds of drones assisting ground teams during a humanitarian crisis. Some drones would be tasked with delivering food, clothing or medical supplies while others would be used to ferry wounded persons or medical personnel. Smaller autonomous drones would handle safety and surveillance.

The Cubozo’s main deck would be made of graphene fibre, a new type of material 100 times stronger than the strongest steel. The airship would feature an ultra-thin membrane able to contract under electrical impulses to control and move the airship by learning how to use wind currents to move about.

Is it feasible to develop a biomimetic craft such as this one? Would it make sense to capture the sun’s energy with every available surface?

The Market

In addition to its original purpose, the Cubozo could be developed and sold for many diverse applications. What about a floating hotel over the rainforest or a base-jumping station for adrenalin-seeking adventurers?

The Designer

The Cubozo concept was imagined in nov 2018. It was designed by Adolfo Esquivel, who created the 3D renderings. Adolfo holds a degree in industrial design and currently works as a freelance industrial designer based in Montreal. Adolfo is also the designer of the Magwa tailgate spa concept and the Zedix commuting bike.